A new US-Taiwan trade agreement’s “zero-fee” recruitment policy for migrant workers is creating significant hardship for Taiwan’s fishing industry. Intended to prevent debt bondage for foreign laborers, the regulations require vessel owners to cover all recruitment costs. This poses a major financial burden on small-scale fishing operations already grappling with diminishing catches and increased operational expenses. The policy’s impact is raising concerns it may inadvertently push recruitment into unregulated, illicit channels. Experts suggest the current approach fails to address deeper, systemic issues within the fishing supply chain. This first part of a larger report examines the initial impact of the agreement. Further investigation will explore potential long-term consequences.